[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E487-E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MEDIA ACCOUNTABILITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2003

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, as we all heard from the President's speech 
last night, we are regrettably closer to engaging in military action to 
oust a murderous dictator, Saddam Hussein. At this time, we should 
focus our thoughts and prayers on the men and women standing in harm's 
way to liberate a country that has so often in history been a center of 
culture, innovation, and education.
  Our troops are young volunteers serving a country they love, and a 
foundation of freedom in which they deeply believe. They have many 
worries, as would any human being in this situation, but they know 
their jobs and the risks that accompany military service. As an 
American and a veteran, I have strong, heart-felt feelings and a sense 
of pride for these young soldiers and airmen willing to fight for a 
people they do not know and a cause that requires constant vigilance.
  It is these feelings I have for troops that led me and a number of my 
colleagues to openly question recent media interviews that subject 
these young troops to questions, which in my mind, have no business 
being posed days before possible military action.
  The initial coverage that brought me to the floor today aired on 
Peter Jennings ``World News Tonight,'' on Monday, March 10. The segment 
contained interviews with American troops on the Kuwaiti/Iraq border. 
Specifically, some of the questions focused on hypothetical situations 
regarding combat, enemy responses, and casualties.
  This morning, a USA Today article ran with the headline ``As War 
Looms, Young Soldiers Confront Fear . . . `Black Hawk Down' scenario 
among worries'' (Many of us remember ``Black Hawk Down'' was based on 
the operation to capture Somali warlord Adid.
  These interviews are asking questions regarding fratricide, combat 
deaths, chemical or biological weapons, ``personal demons,'' and 
``bloody urban fighting.'' As many of us in the House are veterans, we 
know the sacrifices that come with service, including the loss of life. 
We have heard countless times, as have our troops, what threats may be 
encountered if we engage Iraq, and, what the risks entail. As such, our 
young troops do not need to be reminded of those possibilities by 
individuals who only seek to generate a story. Nor should the family 
and friends of loved ones serving in the Middle East be subjected to 
these stories that further exacerbate worries they may already have.
  Our men and women serving in these areas are professionals and they 
know the job they have to do, though it is obviously a job they would 
prefer to accomplish by other means than force (I would like to add 
that we in Congress and the President share that desire). Nonetheless, 
our troops and their commanders know they must focus on the tasks 
assigned and the mission objectives that must be completed. I believe 
that focus can be hindered when certain media personalities, who have 
no comprehensible idea of what it is like to be in the very situation 
our troops are facing, continue to dredge up these feelings purely for 
national coverage.
  Such coverage does not serve the home front well either. In Florida, 
we have activated more Guard and Reserve forces than any other state in 
the union. In my district, I have watched unit after unit depart for 
destinations unknown in support of Enduring Freedom. These are 
incredible individuals--as are their families. My thoughts and prayers 
go to them as well, for they too are sacrificing.

[[Page E488]]

  Let me emphatically state for those that may disagree with my remarks 
that I do not advocate censorship. I do advocate common sense. I 
believe the media lacks a solid understanding of our military and its 
mission. Providing media access to our troops is necessary to assist in 
providing accurate information for the American public and to counter 
false propaganda from other resources seeking to undermine our 
objectives. Such access can provide a better understanding and 
appreciation for what our young people do every single day in service 
to our country.
  However, we must be mindful that reporting facts is quite different 
from generating an emotional story for ratings purposes. Today's media 
has a tremendous amount of access--much more so than during Desert 
Storm in 1991. With that access comes responsibility . . . 
responsibility to the troops, their families and the public. I ask that 
the media let our troops focus on the mission at hand, let them do 
their job and return safely home. Refrain from undermining that focus 
and the necessary morale . . . just because it might make a good story.
  Mr. Speaker, we face challenging times ahead. Our troops need our 
support, our thoughts, and our prayers. May God bless them and their 
families and return them home safe.

                          ____________________